Tucking into fruit and vegetables will give your skin a âgolden glowâ, according to scientists.

Just two extra portions a day could change your complexion in as little as six weeks, thanks to the orangey-red carotenoid pigments found in fruit and vegetables.

As part of the study, researcher Ross Whitehead tracked the progress of 35 students eating varying amounts of fruit and vegetables.

He was âsurprisedâ to see how quickly their skin tones changed but pleased the results supported NHS guidelines for healthy lifestyles.

Mr Whitehead said: âMost of us know we should eat plenty of fruit and veg yet we are not motivated to go ahead and eat a healthy diet.

âWe hope that highlighting the benefits of a healthy diet on our attractiveness will be a stronger incentive for people to eat more healthily.â

Prof David Perrett, who supervised the study at Scotlandâs University of St Andrews, added: âAlthough skin colour varies markedly, we found similarÂ effects in different cultures â for Asians and Europeans alike, a good diet isÂ associated with an attractive skin tone.

âThe message that a good dietÂ improves skin colour could improve health across the globe.â

Scientists estimate that more than 75 per cent of British people do not eat enough fruit and vegetables.